GW Monogram

Office of Undergraduate Admissions

 

Academics & Student Life FAQs

 

General Academics

Can I complete more than one major at GW? If so, what is the percentage of GW students double majoring?

You can certainly double major at GW. Approximately 18 percent of seniors double major at GW, and 30 percent have a minor in a related discipline.

If I want to double major between schools, to which school should I apply?

Apply to your top choice school. GW students are able to double major across schools, regardless of the school to which they were admitted. As a student, you can work with your academic advisor to explore double-major options.

If I am a student in Corcoran, can I double major?

The Corcoran School of the Arts and Design is considered part of the broader Columbian College of Arts and Sciences at GW. Students who complete the requirements of two majors in the Columbian College (such as mathematics and physics, or history and economics) may graduate with a double major under a specific primary degree (BA, BS, BFA). However, due to the studio-intensive nature of the BFA programs, students will have to work diligently if they are to achieve a double major with another academic concentration. We strongly encourage students to consult with advisors in the two departments of interest before declaring both majors.

Can I switch my major?

Generally, yes. Some programs may have requirements, while others are open. Your academic advisor can help you if you wish to change majors after you enroll.

Students who wish to change to a major within another school may request an internal transfer from the University Registrar. A university-wide graduation requirement is that students must be registered in the college/school in which their primary major is housed. Some schools may require that certain prerequisite courses have been taken and that minimum grades have been earned before the transfer is processed.

How many classes are taught by teaching or graduate assistants?

Graduate assistants may lead break-out or discussion sections at GW, but no graduate assistant relays new information independent of the course’s main instructor.

Special Academic Programs

How do I apply for special academic programs?

First-year applicants may indicate an interest in special academic programs on their application. Read more about our Special Interest Programs.

Can I choose to apply to special programs after I submit my application?

First-year applicants may add or remove special programs from their applicant portal in the two weeks following receipt of their application by GW.

What is NROTC, and how does it work at GW?

GW’s Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) adds military training, opportunities, and knowledge to the traditional undergraduate program. The program is comprised of midshipmen and prior-enlisted Sailors and Marines from GW, Catholic University, University of Maryland at College Park, Georgetown University, and Howard University. Learn more information about GW’s NROTC.

Do you have an honors program?

Yes, the GW Honors Program is an interdisciplinary experience that helps students hone their analytical and expressive powers, deepen their understanding of complex issues and broaden their perspectives. Our Honors students are what we like to call “intellectual omnivores” - they understand that you can’t be interested in one thing without being interested in all things. First-year applicants may choose to apply to the University Honors Program via their application. Learn more at the GW Honors Program website.

Can I reapply to the Honors Program if I’m not selected in my first year?

Current students at GW who wish to apply to the Honors Program must be in the second semester of their first year at GW (rising sophomores). There are no minimum requirements to apply, but there are requirements to remain in the Honors Program.

Does GW offer summer programs for high school students?

Yes, learn about our Pre-College Program for high school students.

AP, IB, and Dual Enrollment: For which test scores can I receive college credit at GW?

Review our policy for bringing credit to GW. Also note that while the general GW policy limits transfer credit from AP/IB exams to 24 units, students who enroll in the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program will be allowed to bring in additional credits from AP/IB exams.

Undergraduate Research

Can I take part in research as an undergraduate? What kind of opportunities are there?

Yes, there are undergraduate research experiences that offer students the chance to learn first-hand, in collaboration with professors, how new knowledge is generated. Some students may also engage in research at their respective internship sites. Learn more about Research at GW, then explore undergraduate fellowships and grants to fund these experiences offered through the Center for Undergraduate Fellowships and Research.

Study Abroad 

Do you offer study abroad? (if so where and how many students participate?)

Yes, and more than 40 percent of GW students will study abroad before they graduate. The Office for Study Abroad provides and facilitates international educational opportunities at GW, including over 150 programs in more than 45 countries.

Career Preparation

Are there any internship opportunities available to GW students? If so, what types of internships are available?

Yes, in fact, GW students have access to some of the nation's most coveted internships year-round. Students usually seek opportunities that align with their majors, but there are so many industries in Washington D.C. that there’s something for everyone. Recent placements have included: The World Bank, The International Monetary Fund, The Naval Research Laboratory, NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, NPR, the White House, ABC News, the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Congress, the French Embassy, the American Psychological Association, and National Geographic. For more information about internship opportunities, please visit Career Services.

Are you able to take an internship for credit?

Yes, it is possible to receive up to 6 credits for internships. The Career Services website has additional information on internships.

Do GW undergrads receive any sort of preference when applying to GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences or GW Law?

Unless GW students have enrolled in an early assurance program, they will not receive preferential treatment in either the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences or GW Law School admissions process.

Admission to Other GW Programs

I'm interested in nursing, professional programs, graduate study, or summer/non-degree programs. Where do I go?

Although GW offers a wide range of academic programs, GW's Office of Undergraduate Admissions only recruits traditional first-year and transfer applicants for GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (including Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and School of Media and Public Affairs), Elliott School of International Affairs, School of Business, School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Applicants to other schools at GW should refer to their respective school/department for admission policies. Other common areas of interest are listed below:

Search all of GW's Graduate Programs

Admission Letters or Proof of Enrollment

How can I get a copy of my admission letter or proof of enrollment?

We encourage each student to save a copy of their admission letter from their portal upon admission. Letters from previous years will not be available. Often current students will require a "proof of enrollment," which are available for the current academic semester. These are available from the Student Records Information Menu of GWeb; more information is available from the Office of the Registrar. To request a copy of your admission letter from a previous term, please contact our office with your request and include your GWID for verification.

GW Living & Washington D.C.

What do students do for fun at GW?

D.C. is a great place for college students, with many inexpensive culturally enriching opportunities. Many students visit the monuments and various Smithsonian Institutions, explore different neighborhoods of D.C. like Adams Morgan and Capitol Hill, or partake in any of the seasonal festivals, concerts, and events in the area.

Is there Greek life?

Yes, GW has 35 Greek organizations on campus, including pre-professional, cultural, and social fraternities and sororities. About 30 percent of students participate in one of those organizations. About 10 percent of GW students participate in traditional Fraternity and Sorority life at GW.

Can you tell me about religious groups on campus?

Religious life at GW is inclusive and lively, across the board, with more than 20 student organizations centered on faith plus the Center for Interfaith and Spiritual Life.

What’s the weather like?

Mid-Atlantic region weather means mild temperatures for fall and spring, with a warm summer and chilly winter. D.C. is a four-season climate.

Where can I find out more about the District of Columbia on the web?

A great place to start is www.washington.org. You can learn about the different D.C. neighborhoods, places to eat, where to stay, and things to do!

Living on Campus

Are students required to live on campus?

All students who begin at GW as first years are required to live on campus for three years unless they have been approved for a Residency Exemption. Incoming transfer students must live on campus through the spring semester of their first academic year. More information regarding housing and the registration process can be found on GW's Campus Living & Residential Education website.

How do I decide where to live?

Over the summer, deposited students will register for housing. During this process, you will rank your housing preferences, including residence halls on our Foggy Bottom and Mount Vernon campuses. Typically, students get one of their top three choices on the housing form. Learn more from GW's Campus Living & Residential Education.

Can I live on-campus all four years?

Yes, first-time-in-college students are required to live on campus for their first three years. Seniors may choose to remain on campus or move to off-campus housing. Students who transfer into GW are required to live on campus through the spring semester of their first academic year at GW. View details and exemptions from Campus Living & Residential Education.

Are there any support programs for students with learning differences?

As a diverse and inclusive community, we strive to meet the needs of every GW student. Learn about the numerous supports for students with learning disabilities offered by GW’s Disability Support Services.

Can I have a car on campus?

First-year students on Foggy Bottom cannot have a car on campus, but those on Mount Vernon can. Students in their second year and above may have a car, although very few students find it necessary. Find out more about Transportation and Parking Services on campus.

Is tobacco use allowed on GW’s campus?

No, GW is proudly a smoke-free campus.

What are the dining options for GW students? 

GW offers an "all you care to eat" dining plan for students. Students may eat at dining halls on the Foggy Bottom or Mount Vernon campus, which all offer buffets plus made-to-order food, or at retail locations on campus. Dining plans also include a "declining balance" that students may use at area restaurants and food trucks. Get plan prices, browse our dining partners, and get more information from GW Dining.

Does GW offer any kosher/vegan/gluten-free dining options?

Yes, GW Dining is attuned to the dietary preferences and restrictions of our students, as well as food allergies. Options abound for every student and staff is available to address any concerns.

""

B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program FAQs

The following questions are most pertinent to students interested in the B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program. Our Admissions Team is always happy to guide you through the application process. Please do not hesitate to find your counselor or send our office a message.

Program Overview & Outcomes

Are students admitted to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program at GW guaranteed admission to the GW Medical School?

The medical school acceptance is provisional as program requirements must be maintained to transition into the M.D. program. These requirements include: maintaining a minimum 3.60 overall GPA, no grades of C or below in any science courses, providing an MCAT exam score that meets the program cutoff requirements, and participation in medically-related and service experiences. The Dean of M.D. Admissions provides guidance, mentoring, and programming.

I know I want to be a doctor. If I am not admitted to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program are there other opportunities at GW for pre-med students?

YES! As second-semester sophomores at GW, students can apply for Early Selection to GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences. We also offer pre-health advising for all GW students who want to pursue medical school or other graduate programs in the health professions.

Preparing to Apply

What courses should I take to make myself a competitive candidate for admission to GW and the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program?

Because we take a holistic approach to the application review process, we have no minimum GPA or SAT/ACT requirements for admission. However, admission to GW is competitive, and admitted students are typically strong academic students in their high school graduating class. Most successful B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicants will have taken the most demanding curriculum offered at their school, particularly in math and science courses.

What specific extracurricular activities is GW looking for from a competitive B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicant?

The strongest applicants for B.A./B.S.-M.D. typically have done substantial volunteer work in the medical field with a strong preference for students who have clinical experience working directly with patients. Many have also participated in college-level science/medical research while high school students.

Application Requirements & Admission Process

Do I need to apply to a specific major to be considered for B.A./M.D.?

No, but you must apply Regular Decision to GW's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

What is GW’s SAT and ACT test policy for the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program?

Although GW is test-optional for most applicants, students applying to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program are required to submit either an SAT or ACT score. If submitting ACT scores, the Science section is required for B.A./B.S.-M.D. applicants.

How many students apply each year to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program?

Usually between 1,000 and 1,200 students apply to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. Program each year. Applicants exhibit academic excellence, competitive (90th percentile) SAT/ACT scores, leadership in activities, community service, healthcare experiences, and a strong desire to become a physician.

How many students are admitted to the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program? How many spaces are there?

Approximately 20-30 students are brought to campus for interviews with current GW faculty to determine finalists. Typically, the enrolling cohort for the B.A./B.S.-M.D. program is around 10 students each fall.

Experience & Opportunities

What about internships in D.C.?

Our central location in Washington, D.C., provides exceptional opportunities for pre-health students to get involved in internships and medical research.

GW students intern at the GW University Hospital, the National Institute of Health, the National Cancer Institute, and dozens of other locations. And keep in mind that the GW University Hospital and Medical School are on the Foggy Bottom campus so there are daily opportunities to interact with medical professionals while you are an undergraduate at GW.  You can learn more about GW internships by entering any major on the linked page to see where GW students have recently been interns.